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In reply to the discussion: Santorum: Our Abortion Was Different [View all]riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)without interference, and in private, with their doctor. Period. It's what EVERYONE wants.
The Santorum decision about the end of Karen's pregnancy IS different because everyone is different - I would never dismiss or trivialize their decision. It was clearly very painful for them as it is for most women/families. But it's also exactly the same in that they had a CHOICE on what to do. Our laws still allow a woman and her family to make that choice and have a consultation with their doctor about what to do, honestly and with all options on the table.
This is the only acceptable answer when/if this comes up. The Santorums wanted that child and trying to score political points by trying to "catch" the Santorums in some kind of hypocritical moment with this traumatic event is sure to backfire. It certainly can be spun as a hypocritical act. But anyone who is pro-choice is going down the wrong path there by emphasizing that.
Do not buy into the right wing framing on abortion! A far better reaction to this story is to avoid the term "abortion", empathize with the Santorums' terrible situation, and then point out the FACT that the Santorums were able to make CHOICES themselves with their doctor about Karen's health and the outcome for that fetus. A right that everyone woman deserves, just the same as Karen Santorum and her family.